Clonmel Cottage

Clonmel Cottage is a two-bedroom cottage on a quiet rural block in Canyonleigh, sleeping up to four guests, and it is set up properly for dogs: a fenced yard with a kennel, dogs of any size welcome and no additional pet fee. It is a low-key base for a Southern Highlands getaway where the dog is part of the trip, not an afterthought.

Dogs at the Clonmel Cottage

The fenced run gives dogs somewhere to stretch off-lead without leaving the property, and multiple pets are generally fine, with cats possible by request. The house rules are straightforward: pets stay off the furniture and beds, and muddy dogs do not come straight inside, so pack a towel for wet days. Dogs should not be left at the cottage alone unless you have cleared it with the host first.

Bring your own bowls, bedding and treats, since they are not standard inclusions. Confirm current pet numbers and any conditions directly with the host when booking, as listing-site policies can lag behind what is actually enforced.

Max: check the house rules on booking. Muddy dogs and furniture are the two rules hosts flag most often, and a quick wipe-down at the door keeps everyone happy.

The vibe

Secluded and quiet, in a rural pocket about 10 minutes off the Hume Highway and under two hours from Sydney. It suits a couple or small family after a slow weekend: quiet country lanes for on-lead walks, a fire, and no packed itinerary. A car is essential.

Getting there and parking

The cottage sits on Tugalong Road in Canyonleigh, with free on-site parking at the door. Berrima and Bundanoon are each roughly 20 to 30 minutes away for supplies and meals out.

Make a day of it

Most nearby bushwalks and national park tracks exclude dogs, so plan country-lane walks or drive to the Bundanoon fenced off-leash dog park for a proper run. Coffee and baked goods afterwards at Potter's Pantry in Bundanoon, which has dog-friendly outdoor tables.

More options are on the New South Wales dog-friendly stays guide and the Canyonleigh destination page.